AN AMUSING SET OF TEN NESTING CUPS

TONGZHI PERIOD, DATED AUTUMN OF THE GENGWU YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1870 AND OF THE PERIOD

Details

AN AMUSING SET OF TEN NESTING CUPS
TONGZHI PERIOD, DATED AUTUMN OF THE GENGWU YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1870 AND OF THE PERIOD
Each thinly potted and with steep sides rising to a flared, gilded rim, the exterior of the larger cups painted with orchids amidst jagged rockwork, the smaller cups with similar scenes of orchids on the exterior or interior, each with an inscription on one side, the bases further inscribed with instructions for a drinking game, the sides dated autumn of the gengwu year and with the signature of Lian Fang
1 3/8 to 4¼ in. (3.5 to 10.8 cm.) diam. (10)

Lot Essay

This set of nesting cups appears to be made for use in a drinking game, with text written on the base of each, specifiying which cup should be used by each person, and how many glasses of wine the particpant should take from it.

A similar set of nesting cups dated to the Tongzhi period and decorated in famille rose enamels with immortals, scholars and attendants engaged in various outdoor pursuits, was sold in these rooms, 19 September 2006, lot 423.

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